Special Bushfire Assistance Information

Local emergency personnel from the Tasmania Fire Service, Parks and Wildlife and Sustainable Timbers Tasmania together with assistance from interstate and New Zealand, have been working under incredibly gruelling conditions to contain the fires and minimise risk to both people and property.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank them wholeheartedly for the work they are doing in protecting Tasmanians, our property and our natural heritage. 

Government is providing practical support where possible, and through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Fund financial assistance is available as follows:

• Temporary Living Expenses Grant: Financial assistance for temporary accommodation if a home is unfit to live in or inaccessible.
• Replacement of Household Items: Financial assistance for replacement of essential household items damaged or destroyed.
• Repair and Restoration Grant: Financial assistance for essential repairs to re-establish a home which has been damaged.

To apply, contact the Tasmanian Emergency Information Service on 1800 567 567.  These grants will be available for three months after the impact.

Further, a transport subsidy scheme for livestock, fodder, water and materials is available for eligible primary producers who can claim a subsidy of up to 50% of the total freight cost, to a maximum of $15,000 per farm enterprise per financial year.  For further details contact DPIPWE AgriGrowth Liaison Officers on (03) 6777 2233 or farmers.hotline@dpipwe.tas.gov.au

Concerned members of the public can also support those affected through the 2019 Vinnies Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal by donating cash to Vinnie Shops, calling 131812 or visiting the website here.

I encourage you to view the main websites and Facebook pages that provide assistance, including TasAlert and Tasmania Fire Service that are continually updated with real time information on the fires, alerts, evacuation alerts, interactive maps, disaster relief funding, community briefings, road closures, assistance for businesses, locating friends/family who have evacuated, public health, and much more.

Regular community meetings are being held in affected areas.  For information on these briefings please contact your local Council.

As always, if there is anything I can do to assist please do not hesitate to contact my office.  In the meantime, please keep safe and up to date by viewing the resources mentioned. 

 Guy Barnett